PAINT BEHIND LIVE ON HSN!

We have some exciting news to share – our Inventor, Susie Ries, will be live on HSN demoing Paint Behind®, the latest and greatest in paint tools.

Tune into HSN on Wednesday, June 20th between 9am-10am EST. We’re thrilled to be partnering with this fabulous company and can’t wait to get Paint Behind® in front of the eyes of many more DIYers, Home Improvers, Painters, and Project-Lovers across the country!

Spread the word to your family and friends who might be in need of a Paint Behind and want to see it in action. Maybe you yourself are in need of another, or just want to cheer Susie on and see what else you might discover on HSN, we hope you will tune in!

One more time – This Wednesday, June 20th between 9am-10am EST on HSN!

Paint Behind HSN

How to Paint Behind a Toilet and Hard-to-Reach Areas

Here’s the task: Need to paint your bathroom. Here’s the challenge: It’s crowded, usually limited space involved, and to top it off involves a toilet – which is never fun to be hanging around. You have picked your paint, you are ready to go, but now entering the bathroom, you realize you need to figure out how to paint behind your toilet, before Paint Behind® your options included:

OPTION 1: PAY UP.

Call a plumber, pay $300+ to remove the toilet, then paint behind the darn thing and hope you like the color, paint, then call the plumber back to pay another pretty penny to re-install the toilet. Let’s just hope this isn’t your only bathroom because you could be toilet-less for quite a few days! Eeks!

 

OPTION 2: UNFINISHED BUSINESS.

Leave the space behind the toilet unpainted, so everytime you’re standing at the sink you look down and feel annoyed all over again that you left it unpainted.

old paint behind the toilet

 

OPTION 3: SLOPPY JOB.

Take a chance with a brush and end up with paint all over the toilet, you will try to clean it and think you got most of it but for years you will find specs of that color you love caked to the ceramic, not where you love seeing it.

 

Enter Paint Behind® the resolution to all of those problems above. You can now pick your color, paint your bathroom, every inch of your bathroom, and put everything away all in the same day.

No reason to call a plumber, frustrate yourself, have extra cleaning, leave the project undone…

The patented Paint Behind® comes with the tool itself along with two paint pads to slide on and off the tool. The pads are washable and reusable so you can use repeatedly. The packaging doubles as a perfectly designed paint tray in which you can pour just the right amount of paint in, dip the tool and away you go.

best way to paint behind a toilet

Now the story of the Paint Behind® began with a frustrated Interior Designer unable to paint behind her own toilet… but the story goes on with the endless uses of Paint Behind®.

Paint Behind a Radiator

Got an old house? Get right behind your radiators.

Painting outside? Slide the tool right behind your gutters and downspouts. Works great between deck railings too!

Can’t move a piece of furniture? Slip the tool behind slide down – you can’t see past 8” so as long as that furniture stays put you’ll never know behind it isn’t painted.

Mounted flat screen TV? Get right behind without removing the expensive mount and paint right up to the wiring.

Hard to move furniture or don’t want to unhook your gas stove? Slide the tool just beside or behind big appliances for a perfectly clean look at the edge.

Paint Behind a bookcase or tv

Paint Behind® Starter Kit along with a Refill Kit (2 additional paint pads) is available here at PaintBehind.com. Also available at select retail Sherwin Williams’ stores – contact us to learn which store near you has Paint Behind® in stock! And finally, check out TheGrommet.com for The Paint Behind as well!

paint behind retailers

Paint Behind on HSN

Big news! Paint Behind now available on TheGrommet.com and in Sherwin Williams and Ace Hardware stores.

We hope everyone is having a lovely Spring! Boy have we been busy over here at the Paint Behind® and have some exciting news to share with you all.

As of January 2018, you can find Paint Behind Starter Kits in 1,700 Sherwin Williams stores across the United States! We’re so thrilled to be a part of the Sherwin Williams family. In February, we traveled to Orlando, Florida to meet regional managers, store managers and associates from all over the country, including Canada and Puerto Rico and were able to share with them our story and how the Paint Behind came about. It was and wonderful experience!


2018 Sherwin Williams Sales Meeting / Orlando, FL

And if that wasn’t enough excitement, we’ve also partnered with TheGrommet.com and Ace Hardware. If you aren’t familiar with TheGrommet.com, it’s an awesome e-commerce site filled with unexpected, innovative products and gifts. Part of their motto is “we’re focused on bringing you things worth buying.” They have a Discovery Team who is always seeking and discovering innovative products. They consider thousands of products each year, but only 3% of them are ultimately launched. Needless to say, we’re absolutely flattered that Paint Behind Starter Kits and Refill Packs are now a part of their product assortment. To be among so many other incredible inventors and innovate products is such a treat.
After a couple of years of collaboration, in late 2017, Ace Hardware Corporation acquired TheGrommet.com on a journey to bring locally relevant, innovate products to main street America. “We both stand as strong advocates for the underdog. From the very beginning we have appreciated our alignment in support for and advancement of the independent maker,” said John Venhuizen, president and CEO, Ace Hardware Corporation.1

Our official launch date on TheGrommet.com is April 6th, in addition to Ecommerce, you can find Paint Behind in 230 Ace Hardware stores across the U.S. featured in The Grommet endcaps.


Photo Courtesy of Ace Hardware

We absolutely couldn’t be more excited to be a part of these three companies!

For questions or to learn how to get Paint Behind in your local stores please contact us today!

1 http://newsroom.acehardware.com/ace-hardware-acquires-majority-stake-in-e-commerce-startup–the-grommet

Why Millennial Pink is Still a Hot Color!

We still can’t get enough of Millennial pink – correction, the whole gamut of pinks popping up everywhere: Blush, Rose Gold, Peach, Pale Pink.

If you’re not on board, or maybe you are and need more in your life, these home beauties, fashion cuties and amaze venues will change your mind or fire up your Apple Pay.

It IS appropriate to match your cookware to your nail color, it simply IS! Loving Le Creuset’s new collection called Sugar Pink Matte.


Photo by Food & Wine Magazine

You and your friends can go everywhere in blushy pink outfits and no one will say anything but “How fabulous!”

Even your go-to beauty shop is donning all the pinks, peaches and roses that we swoon over. Check out Nashville’s hottest new natural beauty and wellness shop Lemon Laine.


Photo by The Nashville Guide

Trust us, you’ll be so happy every time you enter a room in your home with Sherwin William’s Rachel Pink splashed on the walls. It’s timeless and beautiful, and best of all joyful.


Photo by Sherwin Williams

And if you can’t commit to wall color just yet, some gorgeous art might do the trick! This piece is called “Climate Change” by Salt Lake City artist Seedy Rawle.


Photo by Seedy_Rawle Instagram

Vegas Baby!

We’re excited… we’re headed to Vegas. PaintBehind will be at the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas May 9th-11th. We’ll be posted up in the Inventor’s Spotlight Room – booth # IS411. If you, or your local mom and pop hardware shop will be in Vegas for the show, we’d love to meet! It’s such an exciting time to be among other new and innovative products and entrepreneurs.

In other news, it’s with great delight we announce that PaintBehind is available in select Sherwin Williams’ stores across the country. Stores in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Baltimore and surrounding areas, Southern Colorado surrounding Colorado Springs and Greensboro, North Carolina. Stop in and pick one up!

Send us an email at customersupport@paintbehind.com for a complete list of Sherwin Williams’ stores carrying PaintBehind or to set up time to meet with us at the National Hardware Show in Vegas!

6 Essentials for a Styled Bar Cart

Drink cart or bar cart filled with a selection of drinks

Bar carts truly make me so happy. They’re darling and usually filled with fun things. You can use it for what it’s intended for, a rolling cart filled with necessities for cheerful cocktails, or put it to work as a coffee cart, night stand, toiletry cart, the possibilities are endless. When styling a bar cart, I have found there are 6 must-haves and everything else icing on the cake.

 

Number 1:

SOMETHING LIVING.

Flowers

Whether it’s a pretty vase with fresh cut flowers, a cute pot with textured succulents, a green wreath hanging above or even a bowl of lemons and limes. Adding a living element to your bar cart keeps it feeling fresh and bright.

 

Number 2:

SOMETHING LIGHT.

Light

Adding light to the bar cart shows your guests it’s open for business and everyone’s welcome to stop over for a drink. Plus having a candle, or a pretty lamp, or dangling chandelier above makes all the pretty bottles and glasses sparkle in the evening.

 

Number 3:

A PIECE OF ART.

Art

A rectangular or square piece of art hanging behind the cart, or a darling framed piece on the cart helps add a different shape and size to the cart. Since most of the bottles and glasses will most likely be round adding a square or rectangle helps balance the other elements. Even a stack of cool coffee table books could be your art element.

 

Number 4:

BEAUTIFUL BOTTLES OF YOU KNOW WHAT…BOOZE.

Booze

Can’t forget the guest of honor of course, the bottles that allow the bar cart to do its job. Of course you’re welcome to stock the cart with the beverages you know you love, but what’s more fun than looking for unique and creative bottles in special shapes and well-designed labels.

 

Number 5:

ASSORTED GLASSWARE.

Glassware

I like to keep it simple, and for lack of space, with two maybe three styles of glassware. A good rule of thumb is 4 glasses of each style; you can always have a backup tray of additional glasses nearby. A champagne flute or tall wine glass, a highball and a lowball is all you need. If you have it, a coupe glass is always darling too.

 

Number 6:

A TOOL OR TWO.

Tools

Stirrers, olive picks, straws, a shaker, an ice bucket, any of these will do. Pick your favorite tool based on look or what you know you’ll use. These are just fun accessories to add to your cart of fun.

-Susie

Sources:
fresh flowers // elle decor
art // girlbybay
bottles // carlaaston
light // lushhome
glassware // potterybarn
tools // coveteur

Austin City Guide

Austin City Guide

I have three beautiful girls all who have lived in many cities across the country in their adult lives. For the last almost two years, my second daughter, Katie and her sweet family, has been living in Austin, Texas. Boy I never thought one of my children would live in my home state, but I sure love it. Visiting Austin could not be more fun. The sprawling city, the culture, the people, the tacos, the sun, outdoor activities, the tacos, the new bar, restaurant or boutique popping up on every corner, did I mention the tacos? It’s quite the place. Here are a few of the favorite places Katie has introduced me to in the last couple of years that you should be sure not to miss on your next trip.

Here are some of my favorites:

 

WHERE TO EAT:

For breakfast go to Josephine House in Austin’s historic Clarksville neighborhood. Enjoy fresh juices and house made pastries on the front lawn or cozy patio of this charming cottage. Inside you’ll find an adorable marble bar for coffee or cocktails and an intimate dining room serving up the best Huevos Rancheros in town. The space is so inviting, you’ll want to stay for lunch and dinner.

Josephine of Austin

For an entirely different (but equally magical) experience head to Springdale Farm in the eclectic East Austin neighborhood. Breakfast is served Saturday 9-1 at the Eden East trailer located on the farm’s property. Enjoy Shrimp & Grits or a Fried Egg Sandwich while the chickens cluck nearby. And don’t forget to stop by the farm stand to pick up the freshest eggs and produce in the city.

Springdale Farm

Dai Due, another East Austin gem, is an old-school style butcher shop and restaurant serving exclusively Texas-sourced grilled meats, cheeses, fresh seafood, & vegetables. Their constantly changing dinner menu offers a mouth-watering a la carte selection or (my personal favorite) the Supper Club option, which is always incredible and requires no decision making whatsoever.

Dia Due

Tacos and BBQ are everything in Austin. The options are endless, but here are a few great ones. For locally sourced and organic tacos, go to the beloved Tacodeli (multiple locations). You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos but don’t skip their signature salsa, Salsa Dona. With homemade tortillas and chips made by two sisters from Mexico, Veracruz All Natural serves up some of the most authentic and fresh tacos in town. The wait times for BBQ are alarming. If you don’t have 4 hours to wait in line, head to Freedman’s for outstanding brisket, pork spare ribs or house-made sausage. Enjoy all while relaxing with a cocktail in the beer garden of an historic building on UT’s campus.

 

WHAT TO DO:

You can’t visit ATX and not enjoy the 10 miles of hike and bike trails bordering Lady Bird Lake in the heart of downtown Austin. Along this urban path you’ll discover everything from charming bridges and lookout points to lively off-leash dog parks, lush greenery, skyscrapers and a diverse group of people.

Lady Bird Lake

For the best views of downtown and Lake Austin, head to Mount Bonnell where you will take a short hike to enjoy the stunning views. Head back down the hill to Mayfield Park and Preserve where you’ll find a lovely historic cottage and peacocks roaming 2 acres of colorful gardens and ponds.

Lake Austin

 

WHERE TO SHOP:

Austin’s miles of scenic hike and bike trails give you good reason to purchase new activewear. Tucked in a Clarksville bungalow, Outdoor Voices is the place to find unbelievably soft leggings, tees, tanks, and hoodies in an ever-changing array of colors & prints. An Austin original with a cult following AND, with only two shops in the country (the other in NYC), this is a stop you won’t want to miss.

Fashionista

Take Heart in East Austin offers a carefully edited collection of inspiring home and personal objects designed primarily by local and US artists. Inside this quaint shop, you’ll find beautiful kitchen and home accessories, sweet cards and prints, and precious jewelry.

Cial and Witt

South Congress is home to a brilliant mix of shops and restaurants. Begin your walk with a cocktail in the courtyard at Hotel San José. Next, stop into ByGeorge – a fashion and lifestyle store featuring contemporary and emerging apparel brands along with a great selection of home goods, gifts & books. Uncommon Objects, an antique and vintage store, is definitely worth a (long) visit. Finish up at the minimalist-chic South Congress Hotel where you can get a non-toxic mani/pedi at tenoverten, shop independent designers at women’s clothing boutique Sunroom, and have a West-Coast inspired lunch at Café No Sé.

By George

-Susie

Sources:
daidue.com
destination360.com
fashionista.com
josephineofaustin.com
solotripsandtips.com
Springdale Farm Instagram
stateimpact.npr.org
tideandbloom.wordpress.com

Do Up Your Front Door

Painted blue door and shutters

A front door is the first thing people see when they approach your house and, in some cases, it is the only thing they see, so you want it to look good. Take a moment, step back in your yard and imagine what you could do to just your front door. Transforming your front door and walkway might be all you need to feel better about the outside of your home.

 

BLACK AND WHITE

Black and White

I always love the contrast between black and white. You can’t go wrong with white trim and rich black accents. What’s even more spectacular here is taking out the same old, plain old wood windowless door and letting some light shine in. The windowpanes on this cool black door are incredibly chic, plus they’ll help completely brighten up your entry. It is of course; the first place guests step foot when they enter your home, why not make it beautiful.

RED BRICK AND BLUE DOORS

Brick and Blue

If you’re working with a red/brown brick house a fantastic door color choice is this bold royal blue. I love the way the creamy white trim gives depth to the door and windows. And old marble stairs? How cool is that. A dark blue door can also work with a white house and even shades of taupe.

 

HOT PINK HAPPINESS

Hot Pink

Well this just screams happiness. How fun to walk up to your home every day and open up this piece of joy. The gold hardware is outstanding! Pink would look amazing with many shades of exterior: gray, white, creamy white, taupe.

Light Pink

And if hot pink isn’t your thing, what about a softer shade of pink? Just lovely.

FLOWERS ARE THE ANSWER

Flowers

If you’re not ready to commit to a new front door, or a fresh coat of paint, explore your landscaping options. Sweeping colorful trees or just big beautiful greens in pots could make all the difference in the curb appeal you’re looking for. Talk to your local nursery to find out what will grow well with some shade if you have it and not completely take over your entrance.

Flowers 2

LONDON CALLING

London

Ever notice how all of the flats in London look so spectacular? Here’s the secret, the shiny black front door. It really works with just about every color, texture and shape of exterior house. Before you know it, the whole block will be painting their doors shiny black after they see yours.

-Susie

Sources:
BLACK AND WHITE // 40cg.com
RED BRICK AND BLUE DOORS // victoriaelizabethbarnes.com
HOT PINK HAPPINESS // pinterest.com + instawebgram.com
FLOWERS ARE THE ANSWER // homeadore.com + vintagerosegarden.tumblr.com
LONDON CALLING // sageandthistlephotography.com

Minneapolis City Guide

Minneapolis City Guide graphic

When my husband and I were first married in 1980 he was looking for a new job. Now I’m a Texas girl, so the only place I said I didn’t want to go was snowy, cold, arctic-like at times, Minnesota. Of course, where did he get his job offer? Minnesota. I was less than thrilled of course, but after 36 winters in this state, I have come to love the Twin Cities. And thanks to down coats, award-winning restaurants and spectacular shops I can make it through the few sometimes-dreaded winter months with plenty to do and see.

Here are some of my favorites:

 

WHERE TO EAT:

Native Minnesotan with New York experience, Gavin Kaysen, operates one of the toughest restaurants in town, Spoon and Stable. The interior is absolutely extraordinary with an open kitchen concept, white marble throughout and high ceilings with a beautiful wine cellar as the focal point of the dining room. The food is magical; think scallop crudo, excellent pasta and risotto dishes, a pot roast to dream about and crispy potatoes layered with butter and garlic. If you can’t get a reservation, get there when they open at 5pm and snag a seat at the charming bar.

Spoon and Sable

For crispy fried chicken and a cheeseburger that will knock your socks off, try Revival in Kingfield. Order the macaroni and cheese as a side and try all the hot sauces.

If it’s too nice outside to be inside, stop by Sea Salt Eatery in Minnehaha Park (open April through October). Bring blankets and make it picnic style, or enjoy the terrace while you snack on scallop tacos and peel & eat shrimp. Save room for Sebastian Joe’s ice cream.

For brunch you can’t go wrong with The Kenwood in the charming, lovely Kenwood neighborhood of Minneapolis. The space gives off a masculine feel with tufted leather, hardwood and plaid wallpaper. But the food is warm, inviting and never disappointing. Think huevos rancheros with braised pork, a signature burger with pork belly, gruyere and a fried egg, and jewel-toned roasted beet salad with ancient grains. Take a walk around Lake of the Isles post brunch and admire the spectacular houses that line the pathway.

To spice things up, step into Venezuelan street food heaven at Hola Aprea. What started as a food truck is now a darling stop in South Minneapolis with inviting turquoise doors and even more colors and fun inside. Traditional handmade arepas, (cornmeal “pockets” stuffed with meats, veggies, cheese and topped with homemade salsas) are delicious and fun to order a few kinds to taste, take bites and pass with friends. Yuca fries and guacamole can’t be denied, and you’ll sip some of the best cocktails in the city.

Hola Aprea

 

WHERE TO SIP:

Distilleries and taprooms are all they hype right now in Minneapolis.
A must stop for beautiful craft cocktails and friendly bartenders is Tattersall Distilling in Northeast Minneapolis. Try the Clover Club Cocktail, a gorgeous shade of pink, carefully mixed with Tattersall Gin, lemon juice, raspberry syrup and an egg white. The foamy white egg white top is like a pillow on top of pink silk.

Tattersall

After cocktails at Tattersall skip over to Bauhaus Brew Labs for refreshing, local Midwest IPAs and Bohemian Pilsners among others. The outdoor patio is large, complete with strings on strings of white lights, bean bags, and picnic tables big enough for lots of friends.

For classic cocktails in a cozy downstairs, speak easy type feel head to Parlour in the North Loop. Be sure to order the Old Fashioned, by far one of the best in the city.

An old school 1906 restaurant with booths and a copper-topped bar serves up Negronis, Side Cars, Sazeracs and Bubbles. The Monte Carlo is situated in the North Loop Neighborhood of Minneapolis. Post up at this classic bar for the perfect night out.

Bauhaus Brew Labs

 

WHERE TO SHOP:

MartinPatrick3 in the North Loop has become one of the most distinctive shopping experiences in the Twin Cities. The shop specializes in men’s clothing, but also has a large enough footprint for a significant furniture selection and interior design services. They have great merchandise, a small beauty section and some women’s accessories as well. There’s even a bar for drinks where customers (or husbands) can relax.

One of my favorite accessory shops of all time, The Foundry Home Goods are so thoughtfully curated you’ll want to take home one of everything. From porcelain gold dipped spoons, Spanish wine glasses, grey linens and beeswax candles, I’ll say it again; you’ll simply want to take home one of everything.

Foundry

Across the street from Martin Patrick 3 and around the corner from the Foundry Home Goods, you’ll find DNOLO, a destination of shops within shops. You’ll find many favorites for women’s clothing and upscale accessories. Plus, DNOLO is attached to a couple fabulous interior design and accent stores: Ciel and Witt and Bliss.

Cial and Witt

On Saturday mornings peruse the Mill City Farmers Market for local produce, pastries, granola, flowers and cheese. Among food vendors you’ll find organic cotton dresses, handmade soaps, high-end rugs and one of a kind ceramics and jewelry.

-Susie

Sources:
Spoon and Stable // sheadesign.com
Hola Aprea // holaarepa.com
Tattersall Distilling // tattersalldistilling.com
Bauhaus Brew Labs // bauhausbrewlabs.com
The Foundry // handfulofsalt.com
Witt + Bliss // wittandbliss.com

I Picked Four Shades of Gray so You Don’t Have To

Four Shades of Gray graphic

Gray has become quite the trend, and it’s safe to say it’s here to stay. It’s the perfect complement to white trims or wood trims, interior walls or exterior, walls in the bedroom, the bathroom, the dining room, the kitchen… even kitchen cabinets are getting a gloss over of gray. Which means, at this point, there are more gray paint chips at Home Depot than hammers. The options are endless. To help you narrow it down a bit, here are few of my favorite grays.

 

Benjamin Moore Berkshire Beige


If you’re just dipping your toes into the gray trend, this is a perfect place to start. This soft neutral hue is a warm beige with taupe and gray undertones. It’s lovely in any size room and pairs perfectly with a warm honey or dark hardwood floor.

Benjamin Moore Berkshire Beige

 

Benjamin Moore Aura Chelsea Gray HB-168


Benjamin Moore’s Chelsea Gray is the perfect shade of green-based gray. Green-bases can make for a warm and smooth look. In the case of Chelsea Gray on these cabinets, they almost look like they have a velvet finish. I just love that.

Benjamin Moore Aura Chelsea Gray

 

Restoration Hardware Slate


Restoration Hardware’s Slate paint takes Berkshire Beige to the next level. It holds onto the versatility of taupe, but adds a bit more depth to any space. Another classic shade for any room.

Restoration Hardware Slate

 

Sherwin Williams Peppercorn


Go bold of go home, right? Something like that. This matte, satin shade stems from a rich blue-base gray. In certain lights it can appear as a deep charcoal, but a few hours later it could transform into a dramatic blue gray. Creamy whites, oranges and brighter blues look spectacular with Peppercorn as the backdrop.

Sherwin Williams Peppercorn

-Susie

Sources:
Benjamin Moore Aura Chelsea Gray // House Beautiful
Berkshire Beige // Houzz on Pinterest
Restoration Hardware Slate // One Kings Lane on Pinterest
Sherwin Williams Peppercorn // Apartment Therapy on Pinterest